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National Security

From our active-duty troops to our members of the National Guard and the Reserves to our veterans who have served America, my job is to keep our military strong. It's an honor to serve on the House Armed Services Committee, where we work on issues involving our national security. I'm the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces which oversees the country’s strategic weapons, ballistic missile defense, space programs and Department of Energy national security efforts.

I believe that a world without nuclear weapons is safer for everyone. However, we cannot underestimate the importance of the nuclear triad in preventing conflicts. Nuclear deterrence has been and will continue to be critical to securing the U.S. from a nuclear attack. While upgrading our aging nuclear arsenal with safer technologies will ensure better accuracy and reliability, the endeavor will not be cheap. Congress must prioritize and plan for an affordable, yet strong and effective nuclear deterrent.

We must ensure that our Armed Forces remain the finest in the world. It's important to keep in mind that the Pentagon already faces more cuts than any other federal agency or program. If Congress will not replace these cuts, we must at least give the Pentagon the flexibility to manage these cuts responsibly and lessen the impact on our national security. That's why I joined with then-House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (WI-1) to introduce the Defense Flexibility Act.

The military tradition in the Volunteer State is strong, and I have the utmost respect for our brave, all-volunteer force. Providing for our servicemembers and their families is extremely important, and I will continue to support legislation that maintains their readiness and health. Rooted in a constitutional oath of service, our military’s traditions, ideals and values have built a diverse American institution. I will do my best to ensure that it remains adaptable for the 21st century.

"Our military deserves better."

Overview

From our active duty troops and Members of the Guard and Reserve to the veterans who have served our nation, my job is to support our Armed Services and keep our military strong. It's an honor to serve on the House Armed Services Committee and work on issues involving our national security. I'm currently the Ranking Member on the Subcommittee on Strategic Forces which oversees our nation's strategic weapons, ballistic missile defense, space programs, and Department of Energy national security programs.

We must ensure that our Armed Forces remain one of the finest militaries in the world, while making strategic reductions in defense spending that will not jeopardize our nation's security. I've worked on defense acquisition reform for years and even authored a report in 2009 about this issue. I have voted to strip funding for projects like the F-35 alternate jet engine and the V-22 Osprey that the Defense Department didn't want.

It's important to keep in mind that the Pentagon already faces more cuts than any other federal agency or program. It must shoulder half of the entire cuts from sequestration, plus another $500 billion in already scheduled cuts. If Congress does not replace these cuts, we must at least give the Pentagon the flexibilty to manage these cuts responsibly and lessen the impact on national security. That's why I joined with House Budget Chairman Paul Ryan (WI-1) to introduce the Defense Flexibility Act.

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05), one of two Tennessee representatives serving on the House Armed Services Committee (HASC), today spoke on the House Floor and pledged his support for the National Defense Authorization Act. During his remarks, he vowed to continue working toward “the establishment of a true Space Corps or Space Force.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) today issued the following statement after President Trump announced that the United States would withdraw from the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

“The Iran deal was much better than President Trump thinks. He is making a big mistake by withdrawing from it,” Rep. Cooper said. “This will further isolate America from our allies and provoke even more trouble in the Middle East."

NASHVILLE – After a week in Washington filled with ominous warnings from America’s top intelligence chiefs, U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05) will return home Friday to sound a statewide alarm about Russian meddling in the 2018 midterms and specific vulnerabilities that could impact elections in Tennessee.

“Tennessee is vulnerable to election hacking,” Rep. Cooper said. “Like most other states, we need to act immediately to protect our vote.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-5) spoke on the House floor this week to strongly oppose an amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that would reduce oversight and weaken requirements on weapon acquisitions related to the Missile Defense Agency.

“This is not a vote on whether we are for or against missile defense,” Rep. Cooper said on the House floor. “I am strongly for missile defense. I just want to make sure that it works.”

WASHINGTON – U.S. Rep. Jim Cooper (TN-05), a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, today requested a full briefing by the Justice Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation and other relevant agencies concerning former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn’s communications with Russian officials – and any knowledge and involvement others in the Trump administration may have had regarding those communications.

I am cosponsoring legislation that would reverse the President’s Executive Orders. It is my hope that there are Republicans in the House who will cross party lines to support it.

I am more worried about the future of America than I have been in a long, long time. Even the headline in today’s Wall Street Journal, often viewed as a Republican newspaper, says, “Immigration Order Sows Chaos.” Our President should not be sowing chaos.